thrusterGoing to the gym and throwing around some iron is actually pretty easy. Most gym-goers have a general idea of what a pushup looks like or how to use the leg press machine, but what’s lacking, is the knowledge in deciding what exercise choice makes the most sense.

Choosing the best exercise based on your specific training goals, previous injury history and current fitness level can be a little tricky, especially with the vast amount of contradictory fitness information out there. What’s important to know is that not all exercises are created equally. Certain exercises are actually more effective than others at achieving specific training outcomes; therefore, it’s fair to say that a leg press has a different training outcome compared to a barbell back squat.

To help clear up the confusion, I collaborated with the top fitness professionals in the industry to come up with a list of exercise favorites, which are all context based and outcome specific. Remove the guesswork from your training and check out my debut article on Livestrong.com “16 Exercise Favourites from the World’s Best Trainers.”

Here’s a short video of me explaining my favourite exercise for driving your metabolism and calorie burn into overdrive: The Thruster

I prefer this exercise be performed with kettlebells but dumbbells work too. I’m not a huge fan of thrusters with a barbell because the rigidness of the bar doesn’t play to well with banged up shoulders or stiff spines. Those people shouldn’t be doing thrusters in the first place, but I’ll leave that for another day.

Enjoy the read and please leave your comments below.

-JK

The people and the training set JKC apart from other gyms or programs I’ve tried in the past. Truly Jon and Thomas meet you where are and help you get to where you want to be. There are no expectations and never any judgement. You can go there having the worst day and you always leave feeling better. Truly JKC has given me a level of strength and confidence I would not have had otherwise ❤️.

I saw an article in Men’s Journal that quoted Jon in about 2018 while traveling and was impressed that someone in St. John’s made that international magazine.  Jon spoke about an exercise called the Farmer’s Walk and I started working that into my routine at the YMCA. I tore that article out of the magazine and kept it, meaning to make contact, but got busy. Then I had lunch with an old friend Bruce Dyke. I hadn’t seen Bruce for a while and I remarked that he looked super healthy and fit. He told me about his, and his son Cas’, experience at JKC and then I remembered the Men’s Journal article! No coincidences!

The experience is unique on many levels – great people, camaraderie, passion, purpose, and dedication. Jon and Thomas are attentive, precise and understanding.  Their teaching has unlocked a new perspective for me with what our bodies are capable of. I still appreciate the YMCA, wonderful place, but I can’t imagine working out without Jon and Thomas now.

I had spent a fair bit of time in gyms in my teens and twenties but I turned away from the gym to focus on activities that I enjoyed more. What keeps me at JKC is that I do really enjoy it. I always feel that I’ve accomplished something when I leave at the end of my workout. The environment is really positive and focused on challenging yourself whatever your level of comfort and fitness. I’ve also seen results that I’m really happy with; having someone who really knows what they’re talking about to guide your workouts makes them way more effective and focused than just “going to the gym”.

Shortly after I started at JKC, I sustained a fairly major injury that took me off my feet for several months. When I started to get back to activity, it was very difficult. Jon and Thomas worked hard to tailor my workouts to my goals and what I could do. With their help, I’ve been steadily building back strength and function.

log overhead press

I had tried JKC based on the recommendation of a parent of one of my students. I originally started by attending Saturday drop in classes. I was hooked. I decided to join full time when I I had taken a year off from teaching and it was the best thing I have done for myself.

First and foremost the trainers at JKC are extremely knowledgeable. I feel like they are as dedicated to my success as I am. The workouts are tailored to me, my skills and my goals. This is important. Jon and Thomas truly want the best for their clients no matter what level of fitness they are starting from. I also like being able to book a session at a time that suits my schedule. This also helps keep me accountable. Once the session is booked I am not likely to cancel!

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